[labnetwork] Toxic Gas Monitoring Systems

[Morrison, Richard H., Jr.]

Our existing fab at Draper uses a Honeywell/Vertex system, paper tape. Light tree that trips an evacuation  at the Lower limit and a warning at the higher limit. The paper tape systems works just fine, costly because the paper tapes get pricy and need to be changed out. The system was 100% uptime and we never had any false alarms. Monitoring, Silane, Mineral Acids, NH3, Hydrogen.

In our new Microfab we are using MSA Trigard, 3 sensors per alarm pack, this pack goes back to a main panel. The panel sets the alarm lights and alerts the safety group. The sensors are easy to change they are cylindrical sensor and 3 sensors run off of 1 pump.

TGMS is a very sensitive topic at most places, I suggest that you purchase a turnkey system from  a vendor in your area. The systems are very sophisticated and the sensor choice is the most important part. Finally the system integration gets complicated with all the different controllers, sensors, pumps and alarm systems. Since this is a life safety issue it is best left to the experts.

Our turnkey system installed was $250K pricey yes but a solid solution. That gives me 27 points split between, Ammonia, hydrides, mineral acids, Silane  and Fluorine.

Rick


Rick Morrison
Senior Member Technical  Staff
Group Leader Microfabrication Operations
Draper Laboratory
555 Technology Square
Cambridge, MA  02139

W  617-258-3420
C   508-930-3461



From: labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu [mailto:labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu] On Behalf Of Bowser, Jerry
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2012 1:14 PM
To: 'labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu'
Subject: [labnetwork] Toxic Gas Monitoring Systems

Hello All,

I wanted to survey the group for information regarding the type and brands of toxic gas monitoring control systems in use.

Here at the CNST, we use various gas sensors (about 55) connected to a custom PLC based system that is just about at capacity.  If a gas is detected, the system shuts down gas cabinets, sounds alarms, and alerts our fire department.  The major shortfall of the system is that the detection level can be read at the sensor in the detection zone but is not displayed at the control interface.

Before we decide on upgrading or replacing our control system, I thought I would see what others are currently using.  Thanks for your input.

Jerry



*******************************************
Jerry Bowser
NanoFab Operations Group
Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Phone: (301) 975-8187

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